…Records 616,873 applications
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 additional personnel into the Nigeria Police Force, assuring Nigerians of a transparent, merit-driven, and inclusive process.
Addressing a press conference at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on February 25th, 2026, the Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, DIG (Dr.) Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), fdc, confirmed that the application portal closed on February 8th, 2026, after an initial eight-week window and a subsequent two-week extension.
Key Highlights of the Recruitment Update:
· Total Applications Received: 616,873
· General Duty: 348,974
· Specialists: 85,630
· Total Qualified for Screening: 434,604
· Gender Distribution: 442,592 Male / 114,640 Female
· State Participation: The two-week extension was granted to address low turnout in some states. The final application numbers by state are:
· Highest: Adamawa (38,989), Benue (34,511), Kaduna (30,397)
· Lowest: Ebonyi (1,667), Anambra (1,739), Lagos (2,448)
· Next Stage – Physical Screening: The physical screening and credentials verification will commence on Monday, March 9th, 2026, across all 36 states and the FCT. Applicants will be notified through official channels.
· Subsequent Phases: Successful candidates will proceed to a Computer-Based Test, medical examinations, and comprehensive drug integrity tests conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
· Zero Tolerance for Malpractice: The PSC has introduced a Whistle-Blowing Policy to allow Nigerians to report any suspected irregularities, assuring that all reports will be treated with confidentiality. The Commission reiterated that drug users and persons of questionable character will not be admitted.
The PSC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the initiative and acknowledged the exemplary synergy with the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Federal Character Commission in conducting the most inclusive recruitment exercise in the Commission’s history.
